Effect of anti‐fouling organotin compound (TBTCl) and the ameliorative role of spirulina on Lamellidens marginalis

Abstract

AbstractOrganotin compounds (OTs) belong to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) group and are capable of persisting up to 40 years due to their chemical nature. Tributyltin (TBT) is an anti‐fouling agent and can easily leach out into water threatening the aquatic life. Molluscs are sensitive towards the presence of toxins in their surrounding environment and respond accordingly to overcome stress conditions. Lamellidens marginalis, a freshwater bivalve is popular for its food value and pink pearls. The present study focuses on the effect of Tributyltin chloride (TBTCl), a form of TBT, on Lamellidens marginalis under laboratory conditions. The 96 h median lethal concentration (LC50) was calculated to be 1 mg L−1. Bivalves were segregated into three sub‐groups that is, group I; control, group II; experimental (treated with 0.2 mg L−1 TBTCl that is, 1/5th of LC50 value), group III; experimental (treated with 0.2 mg L−1 TBTCl + 0.003% w/v spirulina). A static non‐renewal toxicity assay was performed for 96 h. Estimation of total protein, acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glycogen was carried out. An overall decrease in the total protein, ACP, ALP, glycogen, and ALT was observed in both the experimental groups (Groups II and III) in comparison to the control group whereas, the concentration of AST was found to increase in hepatopancreas. Integrated biomarker response index (IBR) value was calculated to be 12.60 for control and 10.56 and 11.29 for groups II and III, respectively in hepatopancreas. Similarly, in gill tissue the values were 3.69, 1.37, and 3.43, respectively. After treatment with nutritional supplement spirulina, a higher BRI (biomarker response index) value of 3.3 for group III was observed, suggesting the therapeutic role of spirulina in test organisms. BRI value derived for group II was 2.7 indicating more severity of TBTCl compared to group III in the absence of spirulina.